1: What is the significance of the Intihuatana stone found at Machu Picchu?
A. It served as a royal residence for Inca emperor Pachacuti.
B. It aligned with the movements of the sun and stars during astronomical events.
C. It was used to preserve the site's delicate structures and prevent overgrowth.
D. It was a quarry site for extracting the massive stones used in construction.
Machu Picchu, frequently known as the enigmatic "Lost City of the Incas", came into existence during the mid-15th century, flourishing amidst the zenith of the illustrious Inca Empire. While experts engage in scholarly discourse to ascertain its exact purpose, the prevailing belief points towards its role as a regal abode for the revered Inca emperor, Pachacuti. Positioned strategically on a ridge, towering at an elevation of around 2,430 meters (7,970 feet) above sea level, Machu Picchu claimed a naturally fortified vantage point, making it an ideal haven for the ruling elite of the Inca civilization.
The architectural ingenuity of Machu Picchu remains a source of fascination for contemporary engineers and archaeologists.
The site's layout is carefully planned with its buildings, plazas, and terraces perfectly aligned with the astronomical events. The Incas employed their renowned stone-cutting techniques, creating precisely shaped blocks that fit together like a jigsaw puzzle, without the use of mortar. This impeccable craftsmanship has allowed Machu Picchu to withstand centuries of weathering and seismic activity.
Machu Picchu was likely a multifunctional complex, serving as a religious, administrative, and agricultural center. Its terraces were ingeniously engineered to support agriculture, enabling the Incas to grow crops such as maize and potatoes in the steep mountainsides. The site's sacred temples, including the Temple of the Sun and the Room of the Three Windows, suggest that it held significant spiritual importance in Inca cosmology.
Machu Picchu remained largely unknown to the outside world until its rediscovery in 1911 by American historian and explorer Hiram Bingham. The expedition unveiled the awe-inspiring citadel, previously concealed by dense vegetation. Bingham's findings and subsequent studies shed light on the advanced architectural and engineering achievements of the Inca civilization, sparking global interest in Andean archaeology.
In 1983 Machu Picchu was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Peruvian authorities started programs to preserve this invaluable archaeological site. For instance a stringent visitor regulation and extensive restoration projects have been enacted to ensure the preservation of its delicate structures. A thoughtful approach, such as limiting the number of daily visitors to the citadel, has been implemented to uphold its conservation and protect its intrinsic beauty for generations to come.
The Inca Trail, a legendary hiking route, remains a popular way for adventurous travelers to reach Machu Picchu. The multi-day trek winds through the Andes Mountains, traversing ancient Inca pathways, cloud forests, and breathtaking landscapes. The trail culminates in the dramatic arrival at the Inti Punku or Sun Gate, offering a spectacular view of Machu Picchu as the sun rises over the citadel.
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